Getting waxed “down there” is a great way to boost your confidence, but you need to be aware of a potential side effect even more annoying than the pain of hair removal: ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs are small, reddish bumps that can occur when hair follicles exposed by waxing or shaving get clogged by oil and dead skin cells. When this happens, new hair growth cannot break through to the surface, and they are forced to grow sideways or inwards.
These bumps and ingrown hairs can be both painful and unattractive, but luckily there are methods to assist in ingrown hair prevention that can make your post-waxing experience complication-free.
Here are 5 simple steps you can take after waxing to avoid ingrown hairs:
1. Keep your hand soff!
It is extremely tempting to run your fingers across your newly smooth skin after a wax, but you should avoid touching the area for 24 hours, especially with unwashed hands!
This step is very important: after the hair follicles are ripped from your skin, you are much more vulnerable to infection. Your hands are never as clean as you think they are, so play it safe and stay hands-free for a day to decrease your risk of infection.
2. Avoid swimming in bodies of water
Although it is no problem to take a shower to rinse off after your waxing appointment, it is best to avoid soaking in bodies of water for a few days.
Bacteria and chemicals can accumulate in lakes, rivers and pools, so avoiding exposure to these potential toxins while your skin is still sensitive can keep your waxed area clean and prevent nasty flare-ups.
3. Avoid heat
Bacteria thrive in hot, wet environments, so avoiding these conditions while your hair follicles are healing is another manner of preventing infection.
Areas of the body that are more susceptible to ingrown hairs are areas that you sweat, which can include the bikini area.
Although it’s near impossible to keep this area fully dry, try to avoid activities that make you sweat for a day or two, such as exercising, visiting a sauna and sexual activity – your hair follicles will thank you for it!
4. Wear loose-fitted clothing after waxing
It is important to give your skin room to breathe after waxing as the skin becomes very sensitive. If clothing is too tight, the friction of fabric rubbing up against the skin can irritate the area. Additionally, the physical restriction can force newly growing hair to push back into the skin, thus forming an ingrown hair.
By wearing clothes that are loose-fitting and allow airflow, your smooth skin is more likely to stay smooth and irritation-free.
5. Use a natural treatment everyday
While your skin is vulnerable after waxing, you may want to use a product that can help soothe the irritation.
It is necessary to avoid harsh chemicals that could cause irritation, but Epilixir Ingrown Oil is a fantastic plant-based product that contains natural ingredients like lactic acid, almond oil and other essential oils to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps. These natural ingredients promote cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and help to remove dead skin.
Don’t let the fear of ingrown hairs stop you from getting that bikini wax you’ve always wanted – as long as you’re mindful of these steps for ingrown hair prevention, your recovery will be as smooth as your skin!